More Strays Go To Heartland Animal Shelter
By Samantha Abernethy in News on Jul 7, 2009 7:00PM
Flyer for the Heartland Shelter "Walk of Love" on July 18
Rodriguez's plight is a growing trend, said Stephanie Preiser, executive director of Heartland Animal Shelter, a nonprofit, no-kill adoption service for pets.Since May 2008, abandoned cats and dogs -- or strays -- have increased at the animal shelter from 79 to the current 140.
Though "owner surrendered" pets have decreased since May 2008 from 124 to 99, Preiser said the jump in strays have created higher costs for feeding and boarding the animals, as well as for medical attention.
"We've almost become a food pantry, here. People come in all the time and pick food for their pets," Preiser said.
Preiser also said that the number of grants available to shelters has been shrinking, which doesn't help either. The Heartland Shelter's 3rd Annual "Walk of Love" will take place on July 18 at the Blue Star Memorial Forest Preserve in Glenview. You can do a 2K walk or a 9K run, with or without your dog.